Profile of Kumar Sangakkara
Full Name: Kumar Chokshananda Sangakkara
Born: October 27, 1977 in Matale, Sri Lanka
Batting Style : Left-handed batsman
Bowling Style : Right-arm offbreak
Fielding Position: Wicketkeeper
Test Debut :South Africa vs. Sri Lanka at Galle – July 20-23, 2000
ODI Debut : Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka at Galle – July 5, 2000
A part of the new-wave generation of cricketers who thrive on aggressiveness and a no-compromise attitude, Kumar Sangakkara broke into the Sri Lanka national team at the age of 22. He came into the cricketing scene when Sri Lanka were going through a low patch, and were marred by controversies.
In due course, Sangakkara helped his side in getting back on track, influencing one and all with his remarkable strokeplay. Though his wicketkeeping was a bit lax in the beginning, he gradually became crafty and credible in this department of the game. Known for his histrionics as a sledger, Kumar Sangakkara has changed the way people perceive Sri Lankan cricketers. His sharp eye for details and adeptness at strategy-making has made him a frontrunner for the post of captaincy.
A key player in Sri Lankan team for World Cup 2007, Kumar Sangakkara had been consistent and had made superb comebacks after being down in the dumps. As a batsman, he has been over-reactive at times, gifting his wicket away on silly deliveries. This weakness has often landed him in trouble, even with the selectors.
In 216 One-day internationals, Sangakkara has made 6,343 runs, including seven centuries. His Test average stands at 56.37, wherein he has made 6,032 runs in 64 matches.
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